Learning from audit, preparing for future
By: Steve Childers, Ozark city administrator
Published:
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 12:05 AM CDT
I would like to take the opportunity to respond to the public regarding the recent audit report of the city of Ozark. Even though much of the criticism leveled acknowledges occurrences prior to my position as city administrator, now it is up to me to explain.
Adequate documentation may not exist that will thoroughly explain to me, or allow me to explain to all of you, the reasons why past decisions were made, certain actions were or were not taken, or why proper accountability procedures were not previously in place; and although I don’t plan on making excuses for the past, I do feel strongly that rather than dwelling on it we should use it to our advantage as a road map to implementing proper processes and procedures that avoid new shortcomings in the future.
It’s important for the citizenry of Ozark to know that even before the state auditors arrived, myself and staff had already identified many of the shortfalls and were in the process of implementing new procedures to correct them. For example, a capital asset management policy was put in place May 2008; an internal control policy for cash handling was put in place January 2009; and the first comprehensive employee manual including credit card, e-mail, vehicle usage, and many other policies mentioned in the audit will be in place within the next 30-60 days.
The Board of Aldermen and Ozark Park Board will quickly begin scheduling meetings to work on park and recreation related matters, and staff is diligently working on advancing the progress of the Finley River District redevelopment project.
Neither Mayor Jackson nor I intend to downplay the seriousness of the audit findings; rather we would like to bring into perspective that, “That was then and this is now.”
Therefore, the approach we will be taking is to gain knowledge from the past so to achieve the highest level of professionalism regarding record management, accounting practices, improved public access to information via Internet and all other fiduciary related responsibilities.
I am confident in saying you have a dedicated mayor, board of aldermen and staff that are committed to progressively and responsibly advancing our community. I am also confident in letting you know that I will never give less than an all-out effort to approach my responsibilities as your city administrator with integrity, honesty and a unbridled belief in building a sustainable and strong community for everyone.
If you ever have a question or concern, don’t hesitate to call the Ozark City Hall at (417) 581-2407 and ask to speak to me personally.
Steven Childers is the Ozark City Administrator.
CID TENTATIVE AGENDA
June 04, 2009
Notice is hereby given that the Ozark Downtown Community Improvement District (CID) Board of Directors will conduct a Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 04, 2009 at the Ozark City Hall in Ozark, Missouri.
CALL TO ORDER:
ROLL CALL:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 14, 2009
VISITORS:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS: 1. Resolution #09-002-Approving Certain
Actions Regarding the Finley River
Development Plan. Board Member Mike
Esterl.
REPORTS:
BILLS AND COMMUNICATIONS:
ADJOURNMENT:
The tentative agenda of this meeting may include a vote to close part of this meeting to discuss Litigation, Personnel, and Real Estate pursuant to RSMo: 610.021 (1,2,3) and such other matters as may come before the Board.
Representatives of the news media may obtain copies of this notice by contacting:
Lana Wilson
205 N. 1st St.
(417) 581-2407
(To be posted at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of the meeting on a bulletin board or other prominent place which is easily accessible to the public and clearly designated for posting notices at the principal office of the municipal corporation or political subdivision or, if no such office exists, at the building in which the meeting is to be held.)
In accordance with ADA guidelines, if you need special accommodations when attending these meetings, please notify the City Clerk's Office 417-581-2407 at least 3 days prior to the scheduled meeting.
City of Ozark Missouri
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
| P.O. Box 295 |
| Fax | 417-581-0575 |
| Ozark, Missouri | 65721 | Phone | 417-581-2407 |
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 14, 2009
VISITORS:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS: 1. Resolution #09-003- Approving Certain Actions Regarding the
Finley River Development Plan. Commissioner John Custer.
STAFF REPORTS:
BILLS AND COMMUNICATIONS:
ADJOURNMENT.
The tentative agenda of this meeting may include a vote to close part of this meeting to discuss Litigation, Personnel and Real Estate pursuant to RSMo: 610.021 (1, 2, 3) and such other matters as may come before the Board.
Representatives of the news media may obtain copies of this notice by contacting:
Lana Wilson
205 N. 1st St.
(417) 581-2407
Fax (417) 581-0575
(To be posted at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of the meeting on a bulletin board or other prominent place which is easily accessible to the public and clearly designated for posting notices at the principal office of the municipal corporation or political subdivision or, if no such office exists, at the building in which the meeting is to be held.)
In accordance with ADA guidelines, if you need special accommodations when attending City meetings, please notify the City Clerk's Office 417-581-2407 at least 3 days prior to the scheduled meeting.
City of Ozark Missouri
| P.O. Box 295 |
| Fax | 417-581-0575 |
| Ozark, Missouri | 65721 | Phone | 417-581-2407 |
BOARD OF ALDERMEN TENTATIVE MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY June 01, 2009
7:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING
POSTED May 27, 2009 Ordinance #09-019
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING(S): May 16, 2009, May 18, 2009, May 26, 2009 Council Minutes.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS: Chris Stone-Chamber of Commerce Director Resignation.
REPORT ON QUESTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING(S):
BILLS OPEN FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
A. BILLS REQUIRING A PUBLIC HEARING: None
B. FIRST READING BILLS:
1. Bill #2455-An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Ozark, Missouri by Amending Chapter 365: "Stopping, Standing or Parking Restricted or Prohibited on Certain Streets", Schedule II, "Parking Regulations". Alderman Melissa Wagner.
2. Bill #2456-An Ordinance Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Federal Aid Program Agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the Phase III Sidewalks Along Highway 14/Jackson Street Project. Alderman Rick Gardner.
3. Bill #2457-An Ordinance Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Federal Aid Program Agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for a Transportation Planning Study to do Preliminary Scoping of Transportation Projects. Alderman Mike Esterl.
4. Bill #2458-An Ordinance Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Federal Aid Program Agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the Analysis of Existing and Projected Traffic in Order to Develop an Efficient Traffic Plan. Alderman Chris Snyder.
C. RESOLUTIONS:
1. Public Hearing-A Public Hearing to Discuss an Application to be Submitted to the Missouri
Department of Economic Development Under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for
Intrinsic Audio Solutions, Inc. dba SLS Audio.
2. Resolution #1588-A Resolution of the City of Ozark, Missouri, Stating Intent to Seek Funding
Through the "Community Development Block Grant" Program and Authorizing the Mayor to Pursue Activities in an Attempt to Secure Funding. Alderman Dennis Sparrow.
D. EMERGENCY BILLS:
E. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BILLS (TAX BILLS):
F. GRANTS:
G. AMENDED BILLS:
SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE OF BILLS. NO PUBLIC DISCUSSION. BOARD DISCUSSION ONLY:
1. Bill #2453-An Ordinance Amending Title I, Chapter 110 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Ozark by Deleting a Portion of One Section Relating to the Agenda for Board of Aldermen Meetings and
Enacting, In Lieu Thereof, One New Portion of the Same Section Relating to the Same Subject Matter.
Alderman Mark Spinabella.
REPORT OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
1. Administrative Committee:
2. Public Safety:
3. Public Works: Declaring Surplus Vehicles-1995 Ford Crown Vic, 1998 Ford Crown Vic and
2003 Ford Crown Vic.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
SCHEDULED VISITORS: Main Street Director Robert Snook-Discuss Neighborhood Assistance Program FY2010 Application.
NEW BUSINESS/COUNCIL COMMENTS:
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
1. Pay Bills.
ADJOURNMENT
The tentative Agenda of this meeting may include a vote to close part of this meeting to discuss Litigation-Personnel-Real Estate pursuant to RSMO: 610-021 (1,2,3) and such other matters as may come before the Board.
Representatives of the News Media may obtain copies of this notice by contacting: The City Clerk's Office at (417) 581-2407 or by E-Mail lwilson@ozarkmissouri.org
(To be posted at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of the Meeting on a bulletin board or other prominent place which is easily accessible to the public and clearly designated for posting notices at the principal office of the Municipal Corporation or Political Subdivision or, if no such office exists, at the building in which the meeting is to be held). In accordance with ADA Guidelines, if you need special accommodations when attending City Meetings, please notify the City Clerk's Office at least 3 days prior to the scheduled meeting.
